Biology Labs Online vs HHMI BioInteractive

Biology Labs Online is a free web collection of 12 interactive biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school students. Topics include inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry. The inquiry-based activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology, including principles that may be dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs. They are not intended to replace traditional labs, operate as standalone tutorials, or serve as online courses. Older Java applets are converted to JavaScript through CheerpJ, a process the site says can have minor quirks. The listed tested browsers on Windows and Mac include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave, plus Safari on Mac. The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices. Many can export data and graphs, but pop-ups must be allowed for the output window to appear. Notebook data must be exported locally or copied elsewhere to preserve it. Instructors can request access to instructor resources by email.

HHMI BioInteractive provides biology classroom materials and professional learning for educators and students. Its resources include films, interactive labs, simulations, animations, data-driven investigations and lessons, with educator tools for adapting, implementing and assessing them. The organization says its materials are made with scientists and educators, draw on peer-reviewed research and real-world data, and undergo scientific accuracy review. Free professional learning includes online and in-person workshops, courses, and partnerships with schools and districts. The site identifies high school and undergraduate life science educators as its main audience. Assessment Builder offers crowdsourced, vetted assessment items for high school and introductory undergraduate life science courses, and requires a verified BioInteractive educator account. Interactive Video Builder lets users assemble interactive videos from more than 200 BioInteractive videos, clips and animations. Its terms caution that creating these videos may be suboptimal on phones and tablets, although playback works well there. Online Community resources may be downloaded and displayed for educational use; commercial use requires express permission from HHMI and other copyright owners. Free resources and professional learning are listed at free.